China Secures U.S-Based LNG Resources

Written by Daniel Graeber for IIR News Intelligence (Sugar Land, Texas)

Summary

One of the leading U.S. suppliers of LNG is in a deal to supply China for the next 20 years.

Venture Global in SPA with China Gas

Venture Global, one of the largest suppliers of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the United States, said it agreed to deliveries to a Chinese firm for the next 20 years.

With its Calcasieu Pass and Plaquemines facilities in Louisiana, Venture Global has a large industrial footprint along the U.S. Gulf Coast. Based on the latest data from Industrial Info Resources' NATGAS Today report for Monday, Venture Global accounts for about 40% of the feed gas that supports deliveries of LNG daily.

The company said Monday that it made a sales and purchase agreement (SPA) to deliver 0.5 million metric tons per annum of LNG to China Gas over the next 20 years.

"Venture Global is pleased to expand our LNG partnership with China Gas, a leading natural gas operator in China, supplying the country's growing energy needs with reliable, low-cost American LNG from across our Louisiana projects," said Venture Global Chief Executive Officer Mike Sabel.

Energy markets are under pressure from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The situation has prompted a reshuffling from legacy suppliers as importers look for alternatives outside of Qatar, which saw its liquefaction infrastructure damaged early in the fighting.

The Trump administration considers China to be a major trading adversary. Since Donald Trump returned to the White House in 2025, China has not relied on U.S. supplies of LNG. Federal U.S. data show Chinese imports of LNG dropped 99% between 2024 and 2025 to just 546 million cubic feet.

U.S. Still the Leader of the Pack

Offtake deals, however, do not diminish the role of the United States in the LNG sector. It's the largest LNG exporter in the world, and its position is more important now that Qatar is limited in deliveries. According to Industrial Info Resources data, there are 132 active capital LNG projects in the U.S., with a total investment value of nearly $442 billion.

Apart from Gulf coast installations, U.S. gas is leaving the continent through the Energia Costa Azul (ECA) LNG facility Baja California's Pacific Coast in Mexico. In July, TotalEnergies, which holds a 16.6% stake in the project alongside operator Sempra Infrastructure, said it shipped the inaugural cargo to an unspecified Asian consumer.

Data from Industrial Info Resources show the plant will have a nominal capacity of 3.25 million tons per annum (MTPA) of LNG from a single liquefaction unit, or train.

Elsewhere, Glenfarne is working to set up an ambitious LNG project in Alaska, which would require hundreds of miles of new pipeline before it can start exports.

On Monday, the company announced it tapped Oliver Wood to help build up its portfolio in the Americas.

"In his new role he will ensure that our projects are developed according to the strategic, commercial, and operational objectives that are central to Glenfarne's long-term growth. His deep technical and commercial expertise and hands-on leadership make him the right choice to guide engineering and construction across our LNG projects," said Brendal Duval, the company's founder and chief executive officer.

Japanese energy companies JERA and Tokyo Gas are among the major companies so far securing offtake from Alaska LNG.

By the Numbers

• 0.5 MTPA for China Gas over the next 20 years
• 99% decline in Chinese imports of U.S. LNG between 2024 and 2025

Key Takeaways

• Asian economies tapping U.S. supplies of natural gas.
• U.S. market looks attractive given the supply-side squeeze from the Middle East conflict.

About Industrial Info Resources

Industrial Info Resources (IIR) is the leading provider of industrial market intelligence. Since 1983, IIR has provided comprehensive research, news and analysis on the industrial process, manufacturing and energy related industries. IIR's Global Market Intelligence (GMI) helps companies identify and pursue trends across multiple markets with access to real, qualified and validated plant and project opportunities. Across the world, Industrial Info Resources is tracking over 250,000 current and future projects worth $30.2 Trillion (USD).